69 



The Martin is a very common species with us, though 

 from the scarcity of available dates, it would seem the 

 contrary to the reader. What this deficiency is owing to I 

 am unable to say. 



Before the Martins leave us in the autumn, they collect 

 in flocks on the roofs of the houses : at this time occurs a 

 great mortality amongst them, — they may be picked up 

 dead on the ground, under the walls of all the buildings 

 which they frequent. I have, however, been quite unable to 

 discover the cause. 



Dates of last observance of the Martin : 

 November 3rd, 1865. 

 November 12th, 1866. 



Hirundo riparia. 



Sand Martin. 



FIRST SEEN. EGG OBSERVED. 



April 30th, 1866. May 23rd, 1865. 



April 13th, 1867. May 15th, 1866. 



April 8th, 1868. June 15th, 1869. 



April 8th, 1869. 



1870. 

 In the soft green sandstone, on which stands Savernake 

 Station, is the only colony of these birds, which I know of 

 for certain, in this neighbourhood. Here they are very 

 abundant ; part of the colony is situated right in the Station 

 so that all trains pass within a few yards of it, and yet 

 the birds have not deserted the place. 



